Feb 8, 2025 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON (AP) — Scott Turner was confirmed Wednesday, February 5, as the new housing secretary, taking on a key role in President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda at a time when many Americans cite the cost of living as a major concern.
Turner, a former NFL player, Texas state representative, and senior White House aide, secured confirmation in a 55-44 Senate vote. Only two Democrats, Sens. Peter Welch of Vermont and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, supported his nomination.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for enforcing federal housing laws and overseeing housing assistance programs. A significant portion of its budget is allocated to supporting lower-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals, as well as funding community development and homelessness initiatives. Under Turner’s leadership, the agency will address critical issues such as rising housing costs, economic revitalization in struggling cities, and efforts to reduce homelessness, particularly among veterans.
Turner becomes the second former professional football player to lead HUD, following ex-Rep. Jack Kemp, who served under President George H.W. Bush. He is also the only Black American in Trump’s current Cabinet, succeeding Ben Carson, who held the position during Trump’s first term.
During his campaign, Trump vowed to tackle housing affordability by implementing mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and proposed constructing futuristic “freedom cities” on federal land—initiatives that will intersect with Turner’s responsibilities.
“As a country, we are not building enough homes. We need millions of homes, all kinds of homes — multifamily, single family, duplex, condo, manufacturing housing, you name it — we need housing in our country for individuals and families to have a roof over their head and to call home,” Turner stated during his confirmation hearing last month.
Previously, Turner served as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, overseeing the “opportunity zone” program aimed at encouraging private investment in economically distressed areas. The initiative allows investors to defer taxes on capital gains by investing in qualifying low-income neighborhoods until the program’s scheduled expiration in late 2026.
The program, championed by Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., was introduced as part of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. Turner has expressed his intent to build upon its success.
“I saw firsthand the impact of this initiative, as it gave Americans living in underserved communities an opportunity, a foundation to start businesses, to live in better homes, to be self-sustaining, to be confident, and to unleash that promise and potential that the lord has given each of us in our country,” Turner said during his confirmation hearing.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., highlighted that the program, under Turner’s leadership, “secured $50 billion in private investments” for struggling areas.
“These investments helped to revitalize many forgotten communities,” Barrasso remarked. “Scott Turner was instrumental in their success. He is the right man to help ensure opportunity now.” Source: AP News
